New Zealand Tip to Tip - 17-day Journey

Book in Dec & save 25%

Travel from the stunning Bay of Islands in the north to the vibrant city of Queenstown and awesome Milford Sound in the South. Snowcapped mountains, rugged coastlines & ice-blue lakes are combined with stories of history and traditions of Māori culture.

Contents

About this holiday

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Te Puia

This epic New Zealand journey spans both Islands of this small, proud nation, revealing majestic snowcapped mountains, rugged coastlines, ice-blue lakes and sweeping rural vistas. Stories of the history and traditions of Māori culture and the intrepid settlers of Central Otago emerge as you travel from the stunning Bay of Islands in the north to the vibrant, multicultural city of Queenstown and awesome Milford Sound in the spectacular South Island.

Inclusions

Cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands & through ‘Hole in the Rock’

Cruise through Waitomo’s famous Glowworm Grotto

Immerse yourself in Māori culture at the Tamaki Māori Village “Maori

Discover the arts & traditions of New Zealand’s Māori culture

Explore New Zealand’s capital Wellington

Visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand “Maori

Set sail on Queen Charlotte Sound

See spectacular Lake Tekapo & Lake Te Anau

Cruise on breathtaking Milford Sound

Let loose in the adventure capital Queenstown

Sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a unique Highlight Dinner

See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier

Visit a greenstone factory & watch the jade artists at work

Tour through Christchurch to witness the incredible rebuild of the city

Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide

Quality accommodation

Travel by luxury coach

Airport transfers (conditions apply)

Accommodation

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Copthorne Queenstown

VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms

VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Ibis Rotorua Hotel

Travelodge Wellington

Picton Beachcomber Inn

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Heritage Gateway Hotel

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Travel dates

Choose from the following departure dates:

12 Jan 2019

19 Jan 2019

02 Feb 2019

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Auckland

Explore Auckland at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director.

Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Day 2 Auckland – Bay of Islands

Travel along the scenic Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands. See spectacular scenery as you cruise to Cape Brett, and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. As you return to Paihia past through picturesque islands with deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays.

Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms, 2 days

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Bay of Islands Free Time

Explore the Bay of Islands at your own pace today. Perhaps sail on a historic tall ship, take the ferry to the charming town of Russell, the country’s first sea-port, or explore the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Bay of Islands – Auckland

Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling through lush farmland on your way back to Auckland.

Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Auckland – Rotorua

After a tour of Auckland’s city highlights, trace the Waikato River to the Waitomo Caves, where you’ll explore the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto by boat. Your journey continues to Rotorua, for an orientation tour with views of Lake Rotorua.

Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Rotorua

Experience the multi-awardingwinning Agrodome Farm Show, for insights into agriculture in New Zealand. Your afternoon is free. You might like to visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a glimpse of the New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird, or Te Puia, the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. “Maori This evening enjoy a Māori Hangi feast Highlight Dinner and concert at the Tamaki Māori Village.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 7 Rotorua – Wellington

Journey south through pine forests today to Lake Taupo and mighty Huka Falls, in the heart of the North Island. Continue along the eastern shoreline of the lake and on through rich farmlands to Wellington, the nation’s capital.

Hotel: Travelodge Wellington

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Wellington – Picton

This morning enjoy a tour of Wellington, including panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Victoria. See the national Parliament and the ‘Beehive’, home to New Zealand’s politicians, and explore “Maori Te Papa Museum and Art Gallery. Then cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, to picturesque Picton.

Hotel: Picton Beachcomber Inn

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Picton – Christchurch

Travel to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore (an optional whale-watching flight is available). Travel along the Pacific Ocean coast and across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Christchurch – Omarama

Explore Christchurch at leisure this morning, then travel over the fertile Canterbury Plains to serene Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, view the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park (optional scenic flight available).

Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 Omarama – Dunedin

Visit the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and the monumental spillway of the nearby Benmore Dam. Then travel to the town of Oamaru, with its celebrated white limestone buildings. Continue to Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. The afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 Dunedin – Te Anau

Enjoy free time in Dunedin. You might like to visit Larnach Castle. Then travel across the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago en route to Te Anau. Tonight you may choose to cruise the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (own expense).

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 Te Anau – Queenstown

Your experience in magnificent Milford Sound today is sure to be one of the highlights of your journey. Travel first through the tall native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park, then cruise the serene waters of this natural wonder. On the way to Queenstown see Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, then travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy an informative orientation tour of the city before settling in for your two-night stay.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 Queenstown Free Time

Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital at your own pace today. Late afternoon, enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and an entertaining afterdinner farm show.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 15 Queenstown – Franz Josef

Your first destination today is the faithfully-restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. Travel on to Cromwell to taste its sensational stone fruit and enjoy the region’s vivid blue lakes. You will then travel over Haast Pass and view the sheer drop of Thunder Creek Falls on your way to the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier. An optional scenic flight is available.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 Franz Josef – Christchurch

This morning’s destination is Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone, Pounamu (its Māori name). Then continue to Arthur’s Pass to board the iconic TranzAlpine train and take one of the world’s most renowned rail journeys. Pass through the Southern Alps to the lush pastureland of the Canterbury Plains. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 17 Farewell from Christchurch

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.